Understanding at the microscopic level the process of crystallization is of great importance in many areas of physics, chemistry, and biology.[1]}, [2]}, [3]}, [4]}, [5]} From a more general point of view, crystallization provides a spectacular example of symmetry-breaking first-order phase transition. In principle, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations could offer invaluable insight, given the fact that experimental studies are rather challenging. This possibility did not escape the attention of the early simulators, and already in 1976, Rahman studied the homogeneous crystallization of a Lennard-Jones liquid.[6]} However, since crystallization takes place in a macroscopic time scale, Rahman was forced to apply deep and unrealistically fast temperature quenchings in order to induce crystallization.[6]}, [8]} It became then clear that in order to study crystallization, enhanced sampling methods are mandatory.[9]}, [10]}, [11]}, [12]}, [13]}, [14]}, [15]} Such methods allow overcoming the large free energy barriers involved in the crystallization process, thus circumventing the presence of kinetic bottlenecks.
